Abandoned house causing problems for Colbert County resident

COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) – It’s a unique house on the side of 4th Avenue in Tuscumbia. But Vivian Bates says it’s been a distraction for some time.

“You can’t live in it. It’s been that way 10 years. I’m just tired of it. I’m 68 and I just can’t handle it,” said Bates.

The house isn’t only abandoned, but it has weeds and plants growing around it and in it. Bates is trying to sell her house and says the conditions of the house next door aren’t helping.

Bates contacted the county and city multiple times; she then got our attention.

We looked into the situation and discovered that even though the house is located in Tuscumbia, it is considered a county property. We tried to contact the county commissioner but didn’t get a response.

We then contacted Tuscumbia Mayor Bill Shoemaker. He works closely with the commissioner and says the county is limited on what it can do, but is looking for solutions to the problem.

“There’s not really any recourse that the county commission has rules. Well private property, that’s exactly what it means. Man has a right to do what he wants to do. There are no ordinances and laws to make him clean it up,” said Shoemaker.

Bates says even though she’s limited on her options, she is determined to sell her house.

“Well I hope I get this torn down. I hope that this will be removed. That would help me a lot,” said Bates.